“I like your jacket,” I said as Sally sat down at the table. She unwound a knitted scarf, rich with reds and greens.

“Christmas gifts, as well as these.”  Sally held out fingerless gloves. “For typing on cold days.”

“Perfect.  How is the editing going?”

“I’m finished, or at least, for now. I sent it to a group of friends to read, and I’m looking at a conference to attend so I can pitch my story.”

“I’m proud of you, Sally.  You’ve learned so much this year –“

“I know. I have this strange euphoria. Story ideas follow me into the night and I can’t wait to get started on my next story.”

“It’s because you realized…you can write a book. All the way to the end. Nothing feels better than finishing something.  And finishing a novel is huge.  So…what are the big lessons about writing a novel you would tell others hoping to pursue their dreams?”

Sally ran her finger around the rim of her coffee cup.

“First, that writing a story is both harder and easier than I thought.  It’s daunting, yet, but taken apart step by step, and with patience, it can be done.  However, it’s a lot more intricate than I imagined. It’s both an art and a science, I guess.”

“Then, I’d say a great story takes a lot of thought and polish. You have to really think through what you want to say, and why you are writing. And you have to keep that focus all the way to the end of the story.”

I nodded.

“I think I’d also suggest getting a coach, or someone who understands your story and can ask you the right questions. Even if it isn’t a fellow writer, but is someone who is willing to listen to you ramble and is committed to asking the right questions.”

“And I’d also suggest getting some writing books – like Inside-Out, and the Book Buddy – to help.”

“I’m in agreement with that,” I said.

She grinned.

“And finally, I’d say – you never know what you can do if don’t try.  Writing a book has caused me to discover things about myself, and push myself to emotional places, and figure out what I really want in life. It’s made me a better person, I think and given me something I can leave behind.”

“So, it was worth the journey?”  I asked.

She lifted a bound manuscript from her bag. “Yes.”

“What’s this?”

“What if I Loved You, my first novella.  I hope you like it.”

{Download/Read Sally’s novella HERE: What If I Loved You?]

I gave her a hug. “I believe you just might be my next favorite author.  Thanks for letting me coach you this year.  It’s been my pleasure.”

“Thanks, Coach. Mine too.”

Note:  I hope you enjoy Sally’s book.  Not bad for a first-timer!   Thank you to Sarah May Warren for allowing me to use her story, her questions and her writing journey in my blog this year.

Stay tuned for my new series starting next week:  Advanced Q & A with Susie May!  (a VLOG!)  Thanks for reading Sally’s journey this year!

Susie May

Happy Writing!

Susie May

P.S. By the way, if you sign up for the daily Flashblog reminder in your email box, you receive the 5 Elements of a Best-Selling
Novel. A quick class on those foundational elements every editor is looking for! Sign up at: http://forms.aweber.com/form/35/866611135.htm

P.P.S. As you might already know, MBT is now offering an advanced membership with access to our full library, advanced teaching through webinars and video talk shows and a monthly advanced class. For more info, check out: www.mybooktherapy.com/join-the-team/. Hope to see you at practice!